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Panthers hoping to make home opener memorable

SUNRISE, Fla. -- After starting the regular season with four consecutive road games, the Florida Panthers finally have their home opener Friday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Panthers returned home with a 1-3-0 record following a 7-2 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. With the back-to-back games, the Panthers did not have a morning skate on Friday.

The game Friday night comes almost exactly 20 years after the first home game in franchise history, a 2-1 loss to the Penguins on Oct. 12, 1993. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise, the Panthers are planning festivities throughout the season starting with a special "throwback" night Friday.

For the current Panthers players, a big win would make the occasion truly memorable. Especially after three consecutive losses, including two in which they allowed seven goals.

The game is Pittsburgh's first on the road after a 3-0 start at home, during which the Penguins outscored their opponents 12-3.

"Tonight we've got a team coming off a game last night, coming back to their building for their home opener, and we expect them to have a little vinegar in their step tonight," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said.

Here are the projected lineups for the Penguins and Panthers on Friday night at BB&T Center:

Notes: Goalie Tim Thomas, who sustained a lower-body injury in a game Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, did some individual work before the Penguins’ morning skate. ... Wing Joey Crabb, who saw action for the first time in the loss at Tampa Bay Thursday night, was assigned to the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League.